Cryptocurrency assets pose an increasing security challenge for law enforcement agencies, stated Lazar Šćepanović, Acting Director of the Police Administration.

Šćepanović, alongside French Ambassador Anne-Marie Maske, inaugurated a training course on cryptocurrency at the Regional Cybercrime Center yesterday, designed for 11 police officers.

The training opening at the Science and Technology Park was also attended by liaison officers from the French Embassy, police personnel, and specialists in the field.

Šćepanović expressed gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of France and the liaison officers for “their remarkable support, which is crucial” for enhancing the human resources capabilities of the Montenegrin police through knowledge and experience sharing.

While highlighting that the cryptocurrency market in Montenegro is growing, he noted that the sector lacks legal regulation. “Nonetheless, the Police Directorate is conducting specific investigative actions in collaboration with the relevant prosecutor’s office concerning identified individuals involved in cryptocurrency trading in Montenegro,” the institution declared.

The Police Directorate mentioned that it exchanges information and engages in investigative activities as part of international operational collaboration to uncover complex cases in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

“With the support of international partners, the Special Police Department has been granted a license for Chainalysis software, which aids in monitoring illegal activities associated with blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Subsequently, training sessions were organized for officers to enhance their capabilities in conducting financial investigations,” the statement outlined.

Šćepanović stressed the importance of continually improving officers’ training levels to effectively address security challenges and thanked the French partners for their assistance.

Ambassador Maske pointed out that this center was established through collaboration among France, Montenegro, and Slovenia, with a mission to bolster capacities to counter cybercrime in the Western Balkans.

“The training prioritizes educating officers in the fight against organized crime at an international level, given the rapid evolution and expansion of technologies utilized by criminal groups for illegal activities. Through this training, police officers will acquire the necessary tools to identify and prevent crime related to crypto assets and to seize illicit financial assets,” it mentioned.

She highlighted the significance of the long-standing collaboration between Montenegro and France and welcomed joint efforts toward harmonization within the European framework and enhanced operational cooperation. She thanked all participants for their engagement and interest, wishing them success in their training.

Yesterday, Šćepanović also convened a meeting at the Police Directorate that included French liaison officers Alain Rouden and Gurkan Karas.

During that meeting, he acknowledged the “successful bilateral operational cooperation and information exchange” that the Police Directorate has established with national bureaus of Interpol in France, Europol, and other partner organizations.

Šćepanović expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts to enhance the capacities of the Police Directorate and the initiatives undertaken, particularly in the education of police officers through planned training and strengthening the capabilities of organizational units.

“Ultimately, the necessity for continued cooperation at both strategic and operational levels was emphasized to effectively confront all security challenges,” the police stated.

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